Game 5: Rangers at Capitals today, 3 p.m.

I think it’s 50/50. If there was ever a time for the Rangers to be road warriors, this would be it.

I’ll be back later on from Verizon Center with John Tortorella’s press conference and then Game 5.

Here are the pre-game notes, courtesy of the Rangers:

NEW YORK RANGERS at WASHINGTON CAPITALS2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs – Eastern Conference Quarterfinal, Game FiveSaturday, Apr. 23, 3:00 p.m.Verizon Center • Washington, DCWashington leads the series 3-1TODAY’S GAME:The Rangers will face-off against the Washington Capital, at Verizon Center (3:00 p.m.), in Game Five of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal match-up. The Blueshirts were defeated by the Capitals, 4-3, in double overtime in Game Four on Wednesday at Madison Square Garden, and now trail 3-1 in the series. Their game on Wednesday was the ninth longest game in Rangers history, ending at 12:36 of the second overtime period (92:36). The Rangers enter the contest with a 198-215-8 record all-time in 421 playoff contests, including an 88-132-6 mark on the road. New York has posted a 23-30 record all-time in Game Fives of playoff series, including a 17-23 mark on the road.

New York entered the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs having posted a record of 44-33-5 (93 pts) overall with a 24-16-1 mark on the road in the regular season. The Blueshirts are one of seven Eastern Conference teams to have registered at least five seasons of 40+ wins since 2005-06, and one of five Eastern Conference teams to advance to the playoffs in five of the six seasons (no team has advanced to the playoffs in all six seasons). Compared to last season, the Rangers registered six more wins and six more points (38-33-11, 87 points in 2009-10), having tallied 11 more goals (233 this season, 222 last season) while allowing 20 fewer goals against (198 this season, 218 last season). The Blueshirts’ 44 wins tied for sixth most in team history, and their 24 road wins tied the franchise record (1993-94).

The Rangers and Capitals are meeting in the playoffs for the sixth time overall and the second time in three years. Their last postseason encounter was an Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series in 2009, won by Washington 4-3. Overall, the Blueshirts have a 2-3 playoff series record vs. the Capitals, posting a 15-18 mark in 33 postseason contests.

• 2010-11: The Rangers posted a 3-1-0 record vs. the Capitals in their regular season series, including a 2-0-0 mark at Verizon Center. New York out-scored Washington, 18-6, led by Brian Boyle’s seven points (three goals, four assists). The Rangers held the Capitals to one goal or less three times, including two shutouts by Henrik Lundqvist.

• Over the last two seasons, the Blueshirts have tallied 10 power play goals in 30 opportunities (33.3%) in their last eight regular season games vs. Washington, including six goals in 17 power play attempts (35.3%) in four games in 2009-10.

• Henrik Lundqvist has posted a 4-7 record with a 2.60 GAA and one shutout in 11 career playoff contests vs. Washington

• Power Play: New York did not tally a goal in seven power play opportunities (13:02) in Game Four on Wednesday vs. Washington, and are now 1-18 (5.6%) in four playoff contests. The Blueshirts are 0-2 (1:34) in five-on-three situations (last – 4/17 vs. WSH).

• Penalty Killing: The Blueshirts held the Capitals scoreless in four shorthanded situations (7:03) in Game Four on Wednesday at MSG, and are now 10-12 (83.3%) in four playoff contests.

• Four-on-Four: The Rangers did not tally/yield a goal in one, four-on-four situation (0:57) in Game Four on Wednesday vs. Washington, and are now plus-one (one goal for, zero goals against) in four, four-on-four situations (3:39) during the playoffs. Shorthanded goals for (1): 4/17 vs. WSH (B. Dubinsky).

WORKING OVERTIMEThe Rangers and Capitals have required overtime seven times in 33 postseason meetings all-time, including twice in their current series. Their Game Four match-up on Wednesday was the ninth longest game in Rangers history, and the longest since their 2-1 win vs. Buffalo on Apr. 29, 2007 in Game Three of their Conference Semifinal match-up (16:43 of the second overtime). Prior to Wednesday’s contest, the Rangers and Capitals Game One match-up was the longest between the two teams, ending at 18:24 of the first overtime period. New York is 2-5 all-time in playoff overtime contests vs. Washington.

QUICK STRIKENew York notched three goals in the second period of Game Four on Wednesday, including two goals in a seven-second span at 13:40 and 13:47. The Rangers record for fastest two goals in a playoff game is six seconds, set by Rod Gilbert who tallied both goals at 9:32 and 9:38 of the second period at Chicago on Apr. 11, 1968. The NHL record for fastest two goals in a playoff game is five seconds, by Detroit vs. Chicago on April 11, 1965. The last time the Rangers tallied three goals in a single period during the playoffs was in the second period on Apr. 15, 2009, in Game One of their Quarterfinal match-up at Washington (4-3 win).

CLOSING TIMEThe Blueshirts were the only team in the NHL who were undefeated when leading after two periods this season, posting a record of 29-0-0 in those contests. The Rangers tied for third in the league with a plus-22 goal differential in the third period (85 goals for, 63 goals against). New York also tied for second in the NHL with eight wins and 20 points in games in which it trailed entering the final frame.

RAISING THEIR GAMEThe Rangers were undefeated in their last six games of the regular season vs. the top four teams in the Eastern Conference standings, including a 6-0 win at Washington on Feb. 25. New York out-scored their opponents, 27-7, in those contests, having tallied five or more goals in four of the six games while posting three shutouts.

CAPTAIN CLUTCHRangers Captain Chris Drury is tied for fourth in the NHL all-time with four playoff overtime goals, and ranks fourth among active NHL players and leads the team with 47 goals in 134 career postseason contests. Drury has participated in the playoffs eight times, having advanced to at least the Conference Finals in five of those eight seasons.

THE PUCK STOPS HEREHenrik Lundqvist was named the NHL’s Third Star of the Week for the period ending Mar. 27 after posting a 2-0-1 record, 0.32 GAA, .987 Sv% and two shutouts in three games. On Mar. 26, Lundqvist established a new career-high with his league leading, 11th shutout of the season, while appearing in his 400th career game. His 11 shutouts tied for second in team history for most shutouts in a season, and are the most by a Ranger since John Ross Roach posted 13 shutouts in 1928-29. He is now one of two active goaltenders with at least two seasons of 10+ shutouts (M. Brodeur – 4). Lundqvist also posted his 30th win of the season on Mar. 18 vs. Montreal to extend his NHL record by recording 30 or more wins in six consecutive seasons to begin his career, and extend his franchise record by posting his sixth straight 30-win season. Lundqvist established a new career-high by appearing in his 22nd consecutive contest (dating back to Feb. 11) on Mar. 31 at Long Island. Lundqvist has appeared in 30 straight games entering today’s contest, and has started each of the Rangers last 33 playoff games. His 49 saves in Game Four on Wednesday marked a playoff career high.

TURNING LEMONS INTO LEMONADE

The Rangers tied for fourth in the league with 11 shorthanded goals this season, the most for New York since they notched 11 in 2006-07 and tied for 12th most in franchise history. Brandon Prust led the team and tied for second and third in the league, respectively, with a career-high, seven shorthanded points and five shorthanded goals. His five shorthanded goals are the most by a Ranger since Theo Fleury tallied seven shorthanded goals in 2000-01. Brian Boyle led the Rangers and tied for second in the NHL with a career-best, three shorthanded assists.

AMONG THE LEAGUE LEADERS

The Rangers completed the regular season leading the league in hits (2,333), ranked fourth in blocked shots (1,301), tied for first in shutouts (11), second in number of players with at least one GWG (19), third in shootout wins (nine), fourth in road wins (24), fifth in goals against (198), and fifth with a plus-35 goal differential.

So this is it. I am not confident at all but these are the rangers we have been waiting for. No matter the result they are the hardest working, most “get it” grooup of rAngers we have had in many years. They will leave it on the ice just as they have every game this series. Lundqvist is the key obviously. If they can withstand the first ten minutes or so we have a good chance. I believe we will be proud of their effort even if the result is incomplete. We know where this team is deficient and it isn’t in heart or effort. I will watch and root Nd hope for the best because this thing isn’t over. LGR!!!!!!!!!!

A must win for the future. A lot of the kids have to get a culture of losing painfully that this organization has, out of their system. Wed night @ home will live a whole lot longer if we fall short today. This group needs to be back home again for a second chance. I to am very proud of this group, we finish our checks, stick up for each other and block shots like nobody’s buissness along with kids playing good minutes and a youthful defense. When is the last time us Ranger fans can say that sentence. But being a realist we are so far away on offense, so that is the reason it hurts not being 2-2. Show the heart today and I’m at least getting down solid foods.

lets go rangerssssss. show some freaking guts today. i am on 2 hours of sleep from my son being up all night. what games yesterday with buff and nash. the good thing about having new born is you cant go anywhere so more hockey to watch.

i need another night at MSG for game 6. please rangers let it happen and if they are going to lose today i would rather get blown out then be as miserable as i was on wed night and thurs

While I’m not sure the Rangers will win today, I have no doubt they will make us proud and if they lose, we’ll all be dying for the start of next season in September. If they can’t win this game or the series, then they will make a last stand that’s worthy of remembrance. Let’s do this! Fight to the bitter end, boys!

Whatever happens today you gotta love the way this team for the most part had a lot of grit and heart throughout this season. The way the “youngins” came along was also gratifying to watch. There is a bunch of dead wood to dump in the off season, but at least there seems to be a lot more talent drafted in recent years that we are all excited to see in Blue.
Let’s Go Rangers! Bring it back to MSG for game 6.

Just gave some thought, yesterday, re the enigma of this team. I mean, here is a team which took a 3-0 lead in game four, all on even-strength goals, the surest sign of superiority in hockey. But then, they go 0-7 on the power play, and fall into Washington’s almost predictable come back. And teams will rally against an opponent with a pee wee hockey power play.

What doesn’t figure is that the skill demonstrated in 5 on 5 hockey, cannot be carried over when it comes to 5 on 4 hockey? I think it has become psychological. If you are better at even-strength you should be much better with a man advantage. No quarterback on the power play? Who the hell is quarterbacking all the even-strength goals? The entire team, it appears. This is almost perverse.

Leetchhalloffame: Yes, right with you re there is some dead wood to dump during the offseason. Let’s start with Drury, Eminger, Gaborik, and Prospal. Drury and Eminger for deficit skill reasons, Gaborik for being a shell of what we thought we were getting, and Prospal, for being 36 years of age, or thereabouts.

As regards Prospal, let me be the first of those who doubted he would have anything left in the tank, coming back at 35 years of age off a major, long-term, rehabilitation, to admit I was wrong. He has played inspired and productive hockey in a situation where most modern-day athletes would just be going through the motions to collect their end-of-career paychecks. Thanks Vinny for making me so wrong in my call on this one. Really proud of your contribution under duress.

Manny, I’d rather today be known as “The day the Rangers showed who they are and won a game 5 away.” or something like that. Thanks for the props though. :D

Boom boom, I would go so far as to say that it IS perverse. I was joking not too long ago how when they get the power play, they should just skate less guys to a 4 v 4. How is it possible their power play could be so dismal?
I’ve just been chaulking it up to “this is part of the pain of being a Rangers’ fan” but it’s really just passed getting ridiculous and is now something far worse and very painful to watch.

That being said, every day is a new day. Maybe today is the day where they make some kind of breakthrough. Let’s all hope this is the case. Oh, and, LET’S GO RANGERS!!!!!

Had to go to work for a couple of hours. Sometimes you never know how long it’d take. But I’m glad I’m back and ready to watch with you all. Wouldn’t want it any other way.

Hey, Lindzo!

Folks, we will have plenty of time to discuss who we should dump this offseason, who we should sign, for how long and for how much. And what our cap would look in the postseason. But I’m not ready yet. Today is about the playoffs, and about one game. No reason to panic and no reason to stop believing in our team. They’ve done enough this year to earn our full support, and I think we should offer just that. And talk about their defficiencies later. LGR!

I think Torts has this team in very good shape and it showed by not losing with a lead after 2 all year, but yet the other night we were running on fumes and I think it’s just simply we don’t have enough skilled players ESP. Up front and we are working against ourselves. We need the lead and we have to continue to bang and play in their zone. I know pretty obvious. It’s all about pressure, no lead no pressure and if the Caps aren’t playing a little scared it could get ugly on Hank. Go Rangers

Big game, so I will finally comment with an inspirational quote for our boys today. Need to play this one tough.

“All right, let’s show ‘em what we got, guys! Get out there on the ice and let ‘em know you’re there. Get that f’in stick in their side. Let ‘em know you’re there! Get that lumber in his teeth. Let ‘em know you’re there!”

I think our boys bring it today, and bring it hard, I just hope that not having the last change doesn’t prove to be too much for us to handle. This has been the most even series out of the entire playoffs despite us being down 3 games to 1. I am excited to watch the game, and proud of this team. All I really wanted this year was for these kids to get some playoff experience. Whether they admit it or not, the Caps did not want to play us, and they and their fans have had their hearts in their throats multiple times in this series. We aren’t missing too much that would make us a cup contender, and if we had even a half way decent PP, we could have been up 3 games to 1 or even swept this series.

So, go out there today boys and play your hearts out and leave it all on the ice, and hopefully we will see you back home, but not to unpack your lockers, but rather to fight another battle.

As we have seen from this team all year, and from these playoffs, anything is possible. We were one of the best road teams this year, and it is time to be one of the best again.

I have a hispanic – yes, there’s a reason I’m saying that – friend and her 2 year old boy, Kevin. We’re sitting here repeating ‘cabeza de caca’ and ‘caca en pantalones’ and ‘pee pee en pantalones’ and dying in laughter. I’m right on par with a 2 year old, lol :)

Lol.. a Washington blogger called Neuvirth the better of the two goalies. It’s hard NOT to be good when you face four or five difficult chances a game, considering two of them ended up in the back of his net the last game. And I’m pretty sure that Anisimov goal was terrible.

I am doing alright. It was a rough 2010, but 2011 has been a better. Ha, well I think during this series I have ripped parts of the beard out. Also, I am 33, no sign of grey hair yet, but in my beard, I am finding some grey, some blond, some red.

i got grey and red beard too. but i havent letit get this long since ive been able to grow a beard! haha. time to shave though cuz my boss is gtting on my case! lol and ya i was wondering how ur doin, i havent heard from you since we started the fantasy hockeylast october.

I have been here, and checking on the blog, but just not posting as much as I would have liked to, mostly because I was not by a computer much, and it is hard to post on here from my BB. I am getting the new HTC EVO 3D from Sprint in June, so I am sure it will be easier then. I am on twitter a lot though, because it is easy from the phone. my name is @nastysays if you care to follow.